Ateneo, Iloilo province, Transcend launch health governance course

The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), through its policy think tank Ateneo Policy Center (APC), has formalized a tripartite partnership with the Provincial Government of Iloilo (PGI) and Transcending Institutions and Communities, Inc. (Transcend) to strengthen local health governance.

The agreement was sealed through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at Park Inn Hotel in Iloilo City.

The collaboration supports the second cohort of the Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control (LGTC) Executive Course, a flagship training and capacity-building program.

Jointly implemented by ASOG Executive Education, the LGTC course is designed to build local leadership in health governance and strengthen policy development at the local level.

The course aims to empower local officials to become champions for tobacco control and good governance in their respective communities.

This year’s cohort includes 20 local government units (LGUs) from the province of Iloilo, recognized for their commitment and potential to advance tobacco control and promote healthier communities. Through the course, participants will engage in knowledge exchange and peer learning on strategies and best practices for building effective, FCTC-compliant, and sustainable local health policies.

The MOU signing ceremony was led by Dr. Maria Soccoro Quiñon, Provincial Health Officer II. representing the Provincial Government of Iloilo, Dr. Jennifer S. Oreta, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, and Mr. Ronald Aguilar, Board Member of Transcend.

The event also featured a Commitment Signing Ceremony where participating mayors, vice mayors, and local officials pledged to uphold and champion tobacco control initiatives within their jurisdictions. This collective pledge was manifested through a commitment signing ceremony, spotlighting each and every LGU represented by the local officials present.

Among the guests in attendance were five mayors and two vice mayors: Barotac Viejo Mayor Nielo C. Tupas, Cabatuan Mayor Elizalde G. Pueyo, Concepcion Mayor Milliard S. Villanueva, New Lucena Mayor Carl Vincent G. Mondejar, Pototan Mayor Rafael Enrique “Adi” P. Lazaro, San Rafael Vice Mayor Roberto T. Belleza Jr., and Lambunao Vice Mayor Arvin L. Losaria.

Along with their respective principals and municipal staff, 12 councilors and ten municipal health officers from the participating LGUs also witnessed the signing of the tripartite MOU and pledged their commitment to championing tobacco control and better health outcomes for their constituents.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to evidence-based policymaking and health governance that truly empowers communities,” said Dr. Oreta. “By investing in leadership and local capacity, we are building a future where good governance is central to public health.”

The Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control (LGTC) Executive Course is a four-day, 36-hour training program for local government officials, employees, and key stakeholders. The program strengthens their capacities to lead and institutionalize effective tobacco control measures and health governance practices in their localities.

Building on ASOG’s mission of “forming leaders, leading reforms,” the LGTC integrates frameworks and models of good governance in public health, ensuring that local leaders are equipped with the right mindset, skillset, and tools to champion sustainable reforms.

The second round of the LGTC Executive Course will be implemented in Region VI (Western Visayas) from October 8–10, 2025, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Iloilo and Transcending Institutions and Communities, Inc.